Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft dies aged 39

Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft has died at the age of 39.

He died following a medical emergency at the weekend, Port Vale confirmed. The club led the tributes to a player remembered as a driving midfielder and a popular dressing-room figure, according to BBC Sport.

Loft leaves his wife Laura and their children Freya and Amelie. Port Vale said they had asked the EFL, which runs the leagues below the Premier League, for permission for players to wear black armbands and hold a minute's silence before the game against Chesterfield. The request had the blessing of his family.

His strongest years came at Vale Park. Loft joined Port Vale from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2009 and made 196 appearances over five seasons, scoring 19 goals.

The 2011-12 season shaped his legacy. He was named Port Vale's player of the season and then appointed captain. He led the club to promotion from League Two, the fourth tier of English football.

That form earned him a move in 2014. He joined Gillingham on a free transfer and was again made captain. He spent two seasons at Priestfield in League One, the third tier, making 70 appearances.

Loft's route into the professional game was not straightforward. He emerged in non-league football with Hastings United before signing for Brighton in January 2006. He played three times in the Championship, the second tier, scoring once, and made 46 further appearances for Brighton in League One.

The rest of his career took him across the lower leagues. He also had spells at Colchester United, Dagenham & Redbridge, Shrewsbury Town, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels, including the 2018-19 season at Shrewsbury.

For supporters at Vale and Gillingham, he will be remembered first as a captain. He wore the armband at both clubs during demanding seasons and stayed a respected figure long after he left.